As I continue to build this blog I will keep adding and changing things to best suit all of our readers needs. I know I dont have many readers yet, but I'm hoping that changes in the near future.
If there is something you would like to see here, or a specific Holiday you would like discussed please just let me know.
But for now I would like to announce the new chat forum for My Holiday Cafe!
This is a trial forum, and if it takes off well I will add a bigger, better format. So please feel free to make your posts, and comment on others that may appear.
Look forward to sharing and talking with all of you!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Are you ready for some FOOTBALL !?!?
Well, it's that time of year again ... the FINAL game of the season!!
Even if your favorite team is not in the big game we always find a reason to watch.
Rooting for the underdog?
Hoping that your teams biggest rival bite the dust?
Just watching for the commercials?
Have a friendly side bet on the game?
What ever your reason for watching why not make it a party!? Any reason for a party is a good reason for a party! Thats what I say anyway.
For years I hosted a superbowl party for 80 - 100 guests and loved every minute of it! The planning, the cooking, the preparing was so exciting for me. This year however, I've cut that number down to a mere 8 to 10 people :) But that is ok .. it will still be loads of fun and this year I'm watching for the commercials!!
I've been hooked on pinterest the last few weeks for everything ... and I mean everything! (My poor puppy is getting a new bed made from cereal boxes and duct tape! HA ...ok not really but I bet that would be cool.)
Even if your favorite team is not in the big game we always find a reason to watch.
Rooting for the underdog?
Hoping that your teams biggest rival bite the dust?
Just watching for the commercials?
Have a friendly side bet on the game?
What ever your reason for watching why not make it a party!? Any reason for a party is a good reason for a party! Thats what I say anyway.
For years I hosted a superbowl party for 80 - 100 guests and loved every minute of it! The planning, the cooking, the preparing was so exciting for me. This year however, I've cut that number down to a mere 8 to 10 people :) But that is ok .. it will still be loads of fun and this year I'm watching for the commercials!!
I've been hooked on pinterest the last few weeks for everything ... and I mean everything! (My poor puppy is getting a new bed made from cereal boxes and duct tape! HA ...ok not really but I bet that would be cool.)
My Holiday Cafe has joined the pinterest craze!!
And we're making pin boards for every holiday we can think of! There are tons of great super bowl ideas and awesome links to make your party this year the best it can be. Click the icon on the side bar or click here .... MY HOLIDAY CAFE ON PINTEREST!! to browse our pin boards. Don't forget to follow us so you dont miss out on any cool party ideas!!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Valentines Day ........ Yummy stuff!!
We all would love the perfect Filet Mignon and lobster tails for our romantic dinner (well, atleast I know I would!!) But a normal budget and/or circumstances does not allow that to always happen. So here are a few other options for your romantic night in ... or sharing love with the whole family on this Valentines day. I hope you enjoy the recipes as much as I have!!
RECIPES:
The perfect BAKED BBQ ribs !!
My family LOVES barbequed ribs ... any time of the year! And since we live on the east coast and mother nature doesn't always cooperate with us, and allow us to barbeque out on the open flames I had to come up with the perfect BAKED ribs recipe so we could enjoy them all year long. They are actually easier and so much tastier believe it or not. And they come out perfect EVERY time!!
Ingredients:
1 full rack of baby back ribs
1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
Dry Rub (makes extra)
1/4 cup salt
1/4 white sugar
1/4 brown sugar
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tbs fresh ground black pepper
1 tbs ground cumin
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground chipotle pepper
Directions:
Prep the back sides of your ribs where the "fat skin" is by poking small holes or slices between the bones. There is no need to remove this layer.
Generously coat BOTH sides with your dry rub
Wrap the rack of ribs completely with aluminum foil. be sure there is no holes so none of the good juices leak out :)
Place your rack of ribs covered in foil upside down on your baking sheet so the bone side is facing up.
Bake them in a pre heated 250 degree oven for 2 hours. DO NOT open the foil or get the urge to peek on them. Leave them alone :)
Take them out of the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes before opening the foil
Open up your perfect rib package and drain off any fat/liquid that may have cooked off.
Turn the oven up to 350 degrees
slather on a coating of your favorite barbeque sauce. don't go to heavy with it but be sure it is completely covered all over the ribs ... on BOTH sides. do not close the foil back up!
Bake for 15 minutes
after 15 minutes the 1st coat of barbeque sauce should be about dry or cooked on to the meat.
Add a 2nd coat of sauce and bake for 15 more minutes.
I do the barbeque sauce slathering process 3 or 4 times. Depends how thick you like your sauce. This gives it a great coating and lots of flavor but the sauce doesn't run down your finders and arms as your eating.
Let the meat rest for 15 minutes before cutting. It should be juicy, tender and fall off the bone perfect!! Enjoy!
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Roasted Brussell sprouts with bacon
1 pound cooked bacon (save the grease) cut into 1-2 inch pieces
1-2 pounds brussell sprouts cleaned and cut in half
salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
toss the brussell sprouts in the bacon grease just to coat lightly ...... please be sure the grease has cooled a little before doing this :)
sprinkle your brussell sprouts with S&P and the garlic powder.
Roast in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 25 - 30 minutes until fork tender.
Sandwich the bacon pieces between 2 brussell sprout halves and enjoy! Absolutely melt in your mouth delicious!! and a perfect side for those wonderful BBQ ribs up above!!
-----------------------------------------------------------
And for dessert ...........
Show your sweetheart S'more love with the scrumptious S'more cupcakes!! Another outdoor treat any time of year!!
S'more Cupcakes..
1 box of your favorite chocolate or dark chocolate cake mix (prepare as directed for cupcakes)
Whipped vanilla frosting
Graham crackers broken into single rectangles
Hershey bars
Mini marshmallows
The picture above is pretty self explanatory how I decorated them. I did just frost them the traditional way and added the extra goodies to the top.
Presentation was great and all the kids ... little kids and big kids loved them.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Stuffed RED peppers ....they almost look like hearts :)
6 servings
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup water
6 RED bell peppers
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I found a fantastic board on pinterest with loads of awesome sweet treats for your special day. There is a little bit of something for everyone here. Be sure to check out The Happy housewife on Pinterest and follow her pins... some very cool stuff here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
RECIPES:
The perfect BAKED BBQ ribs !!
My family LOVES barbequed ribs ... any time of the year! And since we live on the east coast and mother nature doesn't always cooperate with us, and allow us to barbeque out on the open flames I had to come up with the perfect BAKED ribs recipe so we could enjoy them all year long. They are actually easier and so much tastier believe it or not. And they come out perfect EVERY time!!
Ingredients:
1 full rack of baby back ribs
1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
Dry Rub (makes extra)
1/4 cup salt
1/4 white sugar
1/4 brown sugar
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tbs fresh ground black pepper
1 tbs ground cumin
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground chipotle pepper
Directions:
Prep the back sides of your ribs where the "fat skin" is by poking small holes or slices between the bones. There is no need to remove this layer.
Generously coat BOTH sides with your dry rub
Wrap the rack of ribs completely with aluminum foil. be sure there is no holes so none of the good juices leak out :)
Place your rack of ribs covered in foil upside down on your baking sheet so the bone side is facing up.
Bake them in a pre heated 250 degree oven for 2 hours. DO NOT open the foil or get the urge to peek on them. Leave them alone :)
Take them out of the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes before opening the foil
Open up your perfect rib package and drain off any fat/liquid that may have cooked off.
Turn the oven up to 350 degrees
slather on a coating of your favorite barbeque sauce. don't go to heavy with it but be sure it is completely covered all over the ribs ... on BOTH sides. do not close the foil back up!
Bake for 15 minutes
after 15 minutes the 1st coat of barbeque sauce should be about dry or cooked on to the meat.
Add a 2nd coat of sauce and bake for 15 more minutes.
I do the barbeque sauce slathering process 3 or 4 times. Depends how thick you like your sauce. This gives it a great coating and lots of flavor but the sauce doesn't run down your finders and arms as your eating.
Let the meat rest for 15 minutes before cutting. It should be juicy, tender and fall off the bone perfect!! Enjoy!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Roasted Brussell sprouts with bacon
1 pound cooked bacon (save the grease) cut into 1-2 inch pieces
1-2 pounds brussell sprouts cleaned and cut in half
salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
toss the brussell sprouts in the bacon grease just to coat lightly ...... please be sure the grease has cooled a little before doing this :)
sprinkle your brussell sprouts with S&P and the garlic powder.
Roast in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 25 - 30 minutes until fork tender.
Sandwich the bacon pieces between 2 brussell sprout halves and enjoy! Absolutely melt in your mouth delicious!! and a perfect side for those wonderful BBQ ribs up above!!
-----------------------------------------------------------
And for dessert ...........
Show your sweetheart S'more love with the scrumptious S'more cupcakes!! Another outdoor treat any time of year!!
S'more Cupcakes..
1 box of your favorite chocolate or dark chocolate cake mix (prepare as directed for cupcakes)
Whipped vanilla frosting
Graham crackers broken into single rectangles
Hershey bars
Mini marshmallows
The picture above is pretty self explanatory how I decorated them. I did just frost them the traditional way and added the extra goodies to the top.
Presentation was great and all the kids ... little kids and big kids loved them.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Stuffed RED peppers ....they almost look like hearts :)
6 servings
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup water
6 RED bell peppers
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until evenly browned.
- Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers. Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward. (Slice the bottoms of the peppers if necessary so that they will stand upright.)
- In a bowl, mix the browned beef, cooked rice, 1 can tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper. Mix the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed peppers.
- Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, basting with sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
I found a fantastic board on pinterest with loads of awesome sweet treats for your special day. There is a little bit of something for everyone here. Be sure to check out The Happy housewife on Pinterest and follow her pins... some very cool stuff here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, January 10, 2014
Valentines day brainstorming!!
Some may say its a little early to plan for or decorate for Valentines day ... but seriously it is just over ONE month away!
So I decided to start poking around online for some creative but fun ideas for the kids (pre-teen) and myself. Im stuck at home today, so I can't actually DO or MAKE anything but I'm totally for finding some cool ideas and planning for my days off in the next few weeks.
Don't get me wrong, all the traditional stuff works just fine ... a nice dinner, maybe a show or a movie... diamonds work too :) But not everyone has the time, money, or tolerance for the traditional and are looking for something just a little different.
I remember one year after my husband and I relocated, we didn't have much money, and agreed not to exchange gifts or go out that year. However I did want to do something special .. and kinda silly.
I went to the dollar store and picked up some of those glow in the dark stars that stick to the ceiling. Put them ALL over the bedroom ceiling ... maybe I got a little carried away. (I didnt think so) I covered our bed with a big plaid throw and packed a picnic lunch, picnic basket and all.
Rented a movie, and laid under the stars eating our dinner just the 2 of us.
Was nothing fancy or expensive, but it was definitely not traditional. I might just do it again sometime, just for fun.
After poking around for a while online, here are a few other cool ideas I came across.
Feel free to post your ideas and thoughts .. but keep it atleast PG rated! This is a family site :D
FOR THE KIDS:
Toilet paper roll Stamp art!! Cheap, Easy, and oh so cute!!
Shape your empty cardboard roll into the shape of a heart. secure it with just a little scotch tape.
Pick your favorite paint color... or a mixture of different pinks and reds would be oh so cute! And stamp all over !! Let it dry and add some personal touches! A little glitter here ... a few sparkles there !! How cute is that. Fold the paper in half for a card, or use light colored paint and turn it into stationary. I think it would make some adorable wrapping paper too!
The possibilities are endless.
Images found online: no source mentioned
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I could not pass up this post from Life With the Crust Cut Off blog!! There is 15 Valentines day kids crafts! Some REALLY cute ideas here I wanted to include the link in full so you can see them all ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paint chip samples are FREE .... grab a few different paint chip cards in cool Valentines day colors. Cut or punch out heart shapes and use them to embellish your cards, wrapping paper or even string a few together to make some garland for around the house. They are FREE and anything FREE is always a plus!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I decided to start poking around online for some creative but fun ideas for the kids (pre-teen) and myself. Im stuck at home today, so I can't actually DO or MAKE anything but I'm totally for finding some cool ideas and planning for my days off in the next few weeks.
Don't get me wrong, all the traditional stuff works just fine ... a nice dinner, maybe a show or a movie... diamonds work too :) But not everyone has the time, money, or tolerance for the traditional and are looking for something just a little different.
I remember one year after my husband and I relocated, we didn't have much money, and agreed not to exchange gifts or go out that year. However I did want to do something special .. and kinda silly.
I went to the dollar store and picked up some of those glow in the dark stars that stick to the ceiling. Put them ALL over the bedroom ceiling ... maybe I got a little carried away. (I didnt think so) I covered our bed with a big plaid throw and packed a picnic lunch, picnic basket and all.
Rented a movie, and laid under the stars eating our dinner just the 2 of us.
Was nothing fancy or expensive, but it was definitely not traditional. I might just do it again sometime, just for fun.
After poking around for a while online, here are a few other cool ideas I came across.
Feel free to post your ideas and thoughts .. but keep it atleast PG rated! This is a family site :D
FOR THE KIDS:
Toilet paper roll Stamp art!! Cheap, Easy, and oh so cute!!
Shape your empty cardboard roll into the shape of a heart. secure it with just a little scotch tape.
Pick your favorite paint color... or a mixture of different pinks and reds would be oh so cute! And stamp all over !! Let it dry and add some personal touches! A little glitter here ... a few sparkles there !! How cute is that. Fold the paper in half for a card, or use light colored paint and turn it into stationary. I think it would make some adorable wrapping paper too!
The possibilities are endless.
Images found online: no source mentioned
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I could not pass up this post from Life With the Crust Cut Off blog!! There is 15 Valentines day kids crafts! Some REALLY cute ideas here I wanted to include the link in full so you can see them all ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paint chip samples are FREE .... grab a few different paint chip cards in cool Valentines day colors. Cut or punch out heart shapes and use them to embellish your cards, wrapping paper or even string a few together to make some garland for around the house. They are FREE and anything FREE is always a plus!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
New Year ..... New Commitment!!
Hello readers! and Happy New Year!!!!!!! woohoo 2014!
I started this blog back in September 2013 .. with full intentions to make it the coolest and most fun place for all your holiday information. Life happened and unfortunately keeping up on the blog could not be on the top of the priority list.
Life has now fallen into place, and everything is once again smooth sailing! With a new home, a new job, and complete happiness .. I have more time than ever to get to know everyone and celebrate each and every holiday to the fullest!!
I am not going to look at this do over as missing all the major holidays at the end of the year.... Im going to look at it as a way to get a big jump start for the up coming year. There is so much to explore and discover for each holiday, I hope you join me in this journey and have some fun while were at it!
Looking forward to a fun-filled year!! :D
I started this blog back in September 2013 .. with full intentions to make it the coolest and most fun place for all your holiday information. Life happened and unfortunately keeping up on the blog could not be on the top of the priority list.
Life has now fallen into place, and everything is once again smooth sailing! With a new home, a new job, and complete happiness .. I have more time than ever to get to know everyone and celebrate each and every holiday to the fullest!!
I am not going to look at this do over as missing all the major holidays at the end of the year.... Im going to look at it as a way to get a big jump start for the up coming year. There is so much to explore and discover for each holiday, I hope you join me in this journey and have some fun while were at it!
Looking forward to a fun-filled year!! :D
Friday, September 20, 2013
Halloween games ... online fun!
The weather outside this weekend is going to be gloomy and lots of rain. Instead of listening to the "I'm bored" ..... "There's nothing to do" ... "Can we do something fun"
Take a look at this list of some fun online games for the kids.
I've compiled a list of online sites and games with some fun things for the kids to play on a cool fall rainy day.
They might keep them out of your hair for at least a few minutes :)
Set them up with the games .. grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the few moments of quiet time!
**Parents - Please look over the pages before your child plays the games. I have not personally played each game and do not know the rating of them all.
We at Holiday Cafe are in no way affiliated with these pages. This is just a collection of links of fun pages to visit for Halloween fun.
GamesGames.com - 67 FREE Halloween games to choose from
Kaboose Fun School - Printables, Jokes and games
The Kidz Page - Puzzles, games coloring pages and wallpaper
A Game.com - 61 FREE Halloween games. Zombies, pumpkins, vampires and more
Will add more links as we find them :)
Have fun!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Pumpkin crazzzy! Yummy Recipes!
WOW! I've never really seen a food go from a yummy thanksgiving dessert pie to the basis of just about EVERYTHING that is sold during the fall season!
The pumpkin craze is so over whelming. You can get it in your coffee, you can have it for breakfast, you can make breads and cookies and pies and cakes... oh my!
Now don't get me wrong, I love pumpkin bread warm with a little butter .. Mmmm
I am half a fan of pumpkin pie. I love the middle but hate the way the crust tastes on a pumpkin pie.
I can not adjust to the flavor of it in coffee. Working in a popular coffee shop for a year, I saw how CRAZY people become when the pumpkin flavor comes out for the season. Its kind of insane LOL
Well I saw this today on the target website while I was browsing ....
I personally think they have taken this new food fad to the extreme. But I guess what ever makes them the big bucks they run with that.
With that said I DO have a few favorite pumpkin recipes I would love to share with all of you. Regretfully it wont be a pumpkin pie recipe, I just dont make them since I only eat the inside :P
Here are a few of my favorites....
Pumpkin spice cake w/ apple cider glaze!!
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees
*grease and flour 9x13 pan
Ingredients for cake
(Just TWO ingredients for cake)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 15oz. can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Mix the 1 ingredients in a bowl well til just incorporated. The mixture will be thick almost like cookie batter. pour into prepared pan and spread to the edges evenly.
Bake on 350 for roughly 30 - 35 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean (baking time may vary depending on your oven)
While the cake is baking prepare the icing
Ingredients for icing
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
2 TBS. apple cider
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Mix all 3 ingredients together to a thin glaze. Pour the glaze over the cake while it is still hot.
*I poked a few holes all over the cake with a skewer so the glaze soaks down into the cake itself.
Let cook .. and enjoy :)
Moist Pumpkin bread
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees F .
*Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
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